A letter from Wes Leonard's family: Thanks to everyone for support during pain-filled time

Emily Zoladz | The Grand Rapids PressMitchell Leonard, Wes' brother, carries a Class C district championship trophy off the court after Fennville won it in his brother's honor.

On March 3, our family changed forever.

We lost our beautiful, good son, Wesley.

It has been the most indescribable and pain-filled moments a family could ever endure.

We have searched for what we missed so we could have saved him. The guilt, the sadness and the loss of something so filled with hope and promise is unbearable. We miss him.

Our family has been prayed for and sheltered by many caring people. We would not have made it to this point without them. Our thanks and appreciation to the staff of Fennville Public Schools and the caring residents of Fennville is first on our list. Their hearts were broken, too, and they have been so generous in their love, cards, food, visits and support.

Hope College took on a mission of healing for our community and allowed us to care for our team, coaches and youth. Their facility let us all be together to grieve and cheer for those three nights. It was pain-filled, but a step toward that process of healing.

Our Southwestern Athletic Conference brought coaches and team members to Wes’ visitation. All of the teams were represented, and it meant so much to us as parents. Thank you. The Fennville Athletic Boosters helped our family with their donations, preparation of pictures, flags hanging downtown, the list goes on. You honored him, and we thank you. Wesley’s AAU families and teammates were so supportive, and you honored him with your presence.

Our appreciation goes out to the people of West Michigan and our country. Your cards have flooded us with your sympathies and love of Wes. Our church, the Fennville Methodist Church, wrapped Wesley in their arms when he was confirmed and has loved him ever since.

Our immediate family was protected from the outside world for the first week, and we appreciate everything our brother, Jim Leonard, did to allow this to happen.

Wesley’s life was shaped by so many people, family and friends, but we would like to thank his coaches for giving him their time, values and love throughout all of these years. He loved every minute on the field and on the court. He always wanted to practice and to be better.

Lastly, we like to thank the media and press. We are just now turning on our computer and looking at articles and stories that have been written about Wes. You have touched on what was so special about him, his love for life and respect for others. When our son committed to something, it was 100 percent.

Our family will be starting a foundation in Wes’ name. Its goal will be for early detection, prevention and training for resuscitation and automated external defibrillator (AED) usage. Donations will be accepted at Chemical Bank in Fennville. (Editor's note: All Chemical Bank branches in West Michigan are accepting donations).